Innovative solutions for energy efficiency of HVAC-R systems

The European Union, with the new F-gas regulation EU 573/2024 started a process to reduce refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). Thanks to different action phases, high GWP HFC refrigerants will be limited in new installations and their availability for plant maintenance will gradually decrease. 

In the HVAC-R sector, the common goal to be achieved, in a quickly evolving regulatory context responsible for 25% of global energy consumption, is committing ourselves to develop a technical culture able to help a gradual and concrete HFC refrigerants phase down, with the consequent reduction of direct, but above all indirect, emissions of carbon dioxide originating from plant energy consumption. 

Nippon Gases, all refrigerant’s producers and various trade associations are constantly involved in the development of new refrigerants technologies alternative, with natural or synthetic origin, with very low GWP and in the promotion of recovery, recycling and reclaiming practices of refrigerant gases. 

New refrigerant gases have some risks related to their flammability and for this reason it’s fundamental that all refrigeration technicians and operators will have the obligation, for their own safety, to be trained about rules and laws that regulate their use.

New low GWP HFO refrigerants, mildly flammable, are a effective alternative to natural refrigerants and they guarantee excellent performance with lower environmental impact, in some applications, thanks to higher performing TEWI values (Total Equivalent Warming Impact) compared to natural gases. 
Natural gases are not always suitable in all applications, low GWP HFO refrigerants are a good compromise in terms of energy efficiency, initial plant investment and maintenance costs.